Rdum tal-Madonna
Rdum tal-Madonna
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Bumblebee at Rdum tal-Madonna
- M. Borg Cardona |
Rdum tal-Madonna is the main focus for the Yelkouan Shearwater Project as one third
of all the Yelkouan Shearwaters in Malta breed there. The site is a peninsular in
the North-East of Malta. It’s a wild, rocky area with sheer cliffs and crumbling
limestone shores. This spectacular location overlooks the Mediterranean to Gozo
and Comino; there are beautiful walks along the cliff tops.
The site is important for its garrigue vegetation, typical of Malta, which includes
plants such as Wild Thyme (Thymbra capitata), Mediterranean Heath (Erica
multiflora) and Maltese Spurge (Euphorbia melitensis). There are
a number of orchid species which grow on the site, including the Bumble Bee Orchid
(Ophrys bombyliflora), the Scented Bug Orchid (Orchis fragrans)
and the Maltese Pyramid Orchid (Anacamptis urvilleana). Reptiles include
chameleons and skinks, while many species of butterflies flourish here.
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Rdum tal-Madonna
- Armed Forces of Malta |
The site is not just important for the unique Yelkouan Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan).
The larger sized Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) also breeds in
small numbers alongside the Yelkouans. Resident species include
Malta’s national
bird, The Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) and the Spectacled Warbler
(Sylvia conspicillata). Short-toed Larks (Calandrella brachydactyla)
breed on the site and wintering birds include Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros).
During migration, the site is important as a resting ground for the many species
that pass through the islands.
Rdum tal-Madonna was identified as a globally Important Bird Area (IBA) because
of the shearwaters. The site is so important that it has been designated as an SPA
(Special Protection Area) and an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) under the Natura
2000 Series of European Protected Sites. To find out more about Natura 2000 click here.
Come and see for yourself!
The best way to find out more about the site is to visit it. Visitors are always
welcome and you can also book a guided walk with our Site Warden by calling 21347644
or emailing
.